Team Canada Makes a Statement: Cooper Reflects on 10-2 Win Over France and Olympic Progress
Team Canada closed out the preliminary round of the 2026 Winter Olympics with authority, dismantling France 10-2 in a game that wasn’t just about the scoreboard-it was about setting the tone for the medal rounds. Head coach Jon Cooper was measured but confident in his postgame remarks, emphasizing growth over gaudy numbers and reminding everyone what it means to wear the maple leaf on this stage.
No Games with the Seeding Game
With goal differential potentially impacting quarterfinal seeding, some teams might have been tempted to scoreboard-watch or strategize around potential matchups. Not Canada.
“I told our guys before the game that we can’t put ourselves in a position where we’re trying to pick our opponent,” Cooper said. “We’re Canada. We’re here to get better, not play games with the standings.”
That mindset showed. Canada played with purpose, pace, and a clear commitment to sharpening their game, not just padding stats. The win ensured they avoided the qualification round and earned a valuable extra day of rest-no small thing in a tournament this compact and intense.
A Scuffle, Not a Sideshow
Midway through the game, Tom Wilson found himself in the middle of a dust-up-no surprise for a player who brings edge to every shift. Cooper didn’t seem overly concerned.
“This is hockey,” he said. “When you put 40 guys on the ice in a high-stakes game, someone’s going to tick someone off.”
Wilson’s physicality is part of what makes him effective, and in a tournament that demands grit as much as skill, moments like that are par for the course. Cooper chalked it up to competitive fire: “Just boys being boys.”
McDavid’s Masterclass
Connor McDavid is doing what Connor McDavid does-dominate. Through three games, he’s registered nine points in nine periods. That’s not just elite production; that’s generational talent on full display.
“A point-per-period… I have to digest that for a second,” Cooper said, clearly impressed. “You can’t throw around ‘best player in the world’ lightly, but he’s most definitely in that conversation.”
What’s stood out even more to Cooper than McDavid’s stats is his approach. “He deserves this.
He’s playing in the best tournament in the world and shining like this. It’s fun to watch.”
Celebrini’s Moment, Delivered
One of the most electric moments of the night came when Macklin Celebrini was awarded a penalty shot after drawing a call. The bench had a choice-anyone could take it. But Cooper didn’t hesitate.
“Eighteen guys on the bench turned around and said, ‘Yeah, coach, who are you going to pick?’” Cooper recalled.
“I see Macklin doing his little circles out there, ready to go. There was no way I was pulling him off.
That’s who the crowd came to see. He delivered.”
Celebrini, the teenage phenom, didn’t disappoint. With the spotlight on him, he delivered a moment that brought the crowd to its feet and added another layer to his growing legend.
Progress Where It Matters Most
Despite the offensive explosion, Cooper was more focused on the team’s play away from the puck. The two goals allowed against France didn’t sit perfectly with him, but overall, he’s pleased with the defensive commitment.
“For me, it was all about the goals against and the play away from the puck,” he said. “We’ve played pretty well defensively throughout the tournament. When we haven’t, our goaltending has been there to bail us out.”
That’s the kind of foundation that wins tournaments. Canada has the firepower, no doubt. But Cooper knows it’s the structure and discipline that will carry them through the knockout rounds.
“If you want to give yourself a chance to win the tournament,” he said, “you’d better give up two or fewer a game.”
What’s Next
With the preliminary round in the rearview, Team Canada heads into the quarterfinals looking like a team that’s not just winning games-they’re building something. The offense is clicking, the stars are shining, and the team identity is coming into focus. Cooper’s crew isn’t just chasing gold-they’re playing like they expect to find it.